For 25 years, Mariska Hargitay has been the face of Law & Order: SVU, portraying the indomitable Olivia Benson. This longevity has made Hargitay and Benson nearly inseparable in the minds of fans and, sometimes, even the actress herself. The bond between Hargitay and her character is so strong that she often finds herself channeling Benson during moments of personal crisis.
Ryan Gosling’s memorable press tour for Barbie showcased how difficult it can be to separate an actor from a beloved character. However, for Hargitay, who has embodied Olivia Benson for a quarter of a century, the journey with her character is more of a “parallel journey.” As she celebrates this milestone, Hargitay reflects on the profound impact the role has had on her life.
When Hargitay joined Law & Order: SVU at its inception, her character played second fiddle to Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler. “He was the male lead and a little more experienced,” she told People in a recent interview. “And I was trying to catch up.”
Catch up she did. Hargitay’s portrayal of Benson evolved over the years, especially after Meloni’s departure in 2011. Benson’s ascent from detective to squad captain mirrored Hargitay’s own growth and confidence as an actress. “As I became more comfortable with the character, you saw this powerful woman emerge,” Hargitay shared, describing this evolution as a “powerful and exciting and beautifully uncomfortable” rebirth.
Fans often ponder, “What would Olivia Benson do?” Hargitay revealed that she, too, relies on her character’s wisdom. “If there’s a crisis, I just take over and lead like that,” she explained, highlighting Benson’s strength and fearlessness. This approach has created what Hargitay calls “the perfect feminist story.”
Today, Hargitay leads with her heart, embracing vulnerability as a strength. “That’s my superpower. I’m somebody who understands you can be vulnerable and a badass at the same time,” she concluded.
Mariska Hargitay’s journey with Olivia Benson is a testament to the power of character and the impact of portraying a strong, fearless woman. As she continues to inspire viewers, her seamless blend of actor and character remains a beacon of resilience and empowerment.